News Summary
A new biography titled ‘Senator Kenneth McKellar: Feudin’ Son of Tennessee’ has been published, chronicling the life of Tennessee’s longest-serving congressman. Authored by Ray Hill, the book offers insights into McKellar’s 42-year political career, his influential roles during significant events, and his legacy in shaping Tennessee’s future. The biography is available in both paperback and ebook formats, showcasing extensive research and personal anecdotes.
Knoxville, Tennessee – ‘Senator Kenneth McKellar: Feudin’ Son of Tennessee,’ a biography of Tennessee’s longest-serving congressman, has been published by the University of Tennessee Press. The work, authored by Ray Hill, is available in both paperback and ebook formats, providing comprehensive insights into the life and political career of Kenneth McKellar.
Kenneth McKellar, a prominent Democratic politician from Memphis, served an impressive 42 years in U.S. Congress—comprised of six years in the House of Representatives and 36 years in the Senate. He is particularly notable for being the first Tennessean to be popularly elected to the U.S. Senate in 1916, following the enactment of the Seventeenth Amendment. His tenure spanned seven presidential administrations, showcasing an enduring political relevance that few have matched in Tennessee’s history.
This biography, the first full-length work focused solely on McKellar, promises readers a thorough exploration of his life, complexities, and legacy. Hill meticulously chronicles key milestones throughout McKellar’s career, including his significant affiliations with two of the nation’s most influential presidents—Franklin D. Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. The book emphasizes McKellar’s steadfast support for the Tennessee Valley Authority, a pivotal organization since its inception in 1933, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping Tennessee’s development during the Great Depression.
In constructing the biography, Hill conducted extensive research, examining a wealth of newspaper articles chronicling McKellar’s political career and the broader landscape of Tennessee politics. The variety of resources utilized makes this work an excellent reference for students of political science and individuals interested in the historical narrative of Tennessee’s political evolution.
The biography is not just a mere timeline of events; it aims to deliver a nuanced portrait of McKellar’s character, his convictions, and his often-complicated relationships with other influential political figures. Among the anecdotes included is McKellar’s confrontation with J. Edgar Hoover regarding contested FBI funding and operational practices, illustrating the pressurizing environment of politics at the time.
Readers will find the book not only informative but also engaging, as it captures both the significant political milestones and the more personal aspects of McKellar’s life. The storytelling is enhanced by a foreword written by former Congressman John J. “Jimmy” Duncan Jr., offering additional insights into the lasting impact of McKellar’s work.
For those interested, ‘Senator Kenneth McKellar: Feudin’ Son of Tennessee’ can be purchased through utpress.org and various other retailers. Kindle version preorders are currently being accepted, slated for release on June 20, 2025, while a hardback edition will be available from June 10, 2025.
Hill has also established a reputation over the past 14 years as a writer of a popular history column for The Knoxville Focus Newspaper, further showcasing his dedication to the field of historical and political writing. In this latest book, Hill delivers a compelling and detailed account that fills a significant gap in scholarly discourse regarding one of Tennessee’s most influential political figures.
The publication of this biography not only adds depth to our understanding of Kenneth McKellar but also enriches the broader narrative of Tennessee’s political history, making it a significant contribution for scholars and casual readers alike.
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Additional Resources
- The University of Tennessee Press Announces the Publication of Senator Kenneth McKellar: Feudin’ Son of Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Kenneth McKellar
- Ray Hill’s Biography of Senator McKellar Available for Preorder
- Google Search: Kenneth McKellar
- A Feudin’ Son of Tennessee: Kenneth McKellar – Chapter 1
- Google Scholar: Kenneth McKellar
- A Tale of Tennessee and the FBI: Senator K.D. McKellar and J. Edgar Hoover
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kenneth McKellar
- A Feudin’ Son of Tennessee: Kenneth McKellar – Chapter 5
- Google News: Kenneth McKellar
